08 Mar DC and IT Labs Foundation partner to help in flood devastated KwaMhluntu
23 February 2024
Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN): The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the IT Labs Foundation have come together in a multi-million-rand intervention to assist the community of KwaMhluntu and the Inhlanganiso Primary school which were severely affected by the floods that hit Ladysmith in the past few weeks.
1 200 Families and 200 learners will be given the necessities they require, from school uniforms to household goods, to help improve the situation they are facing after the devastating floods that damaged their homes, destroyed their belongings and killed 25 people within their community.
“As a development funding institution with a mandate to contribute to social development, we have partnered with various community-based organisations and NGOs, who have expertise in disaster management to play our part in assisting communities across the country who have been hard hit by floods and other disasters. Our partnership with the IT Labs Foundation is a pivotal one. IDC is teaming up with young people who are putting up their hands to be part of the solution to improve our country and come to the assistance of those who are faced with challenging life situations,” says Tshepo Ramodibe, the IDC’s Head of Corporate Affairs.
The IT Labs Foundation is a 100% youth-owned non profit organisation founded in 2020 with the aim of bringing about social change and economic upliftment to rural and economically marginalised communities in South Africa. It has a deep-rooted focus on youth development, empowering disabled youth and community relief interventions.
‘IT Labs is invested in responding to community needs in South Africa, particularly in KZN as we are from this province. Our work is ongoing following the devastation caused by the recent floods and the continued harsh weather conditions which are being experienced in communities surrounding Ladysmith. Many families, especially child headed homes are still suffering because of these adverse weather conditions,’ says Mduduzi Mchunu, Director at IT Labs Foundation.
Since the start of the 2023 festive season inclement weather conditions in KZN have resulted in the death of 40 people across the province, with five others still being unaccounted for. Ladysmith is one of the hardest hit areas, with several businesses and roads continuing to be closed as a result of damage and persistent high water levels.
Our role in society extends beyond a catalytic one for the country’s economy, we are also heavily invested in assisting fellow citizens with humanitarian aid. Timely humanitarian response and partnering with organisations such as IT Labs is a key enabler for us to lend a helping hand to our communities and bring relief where it is needed the most,” adds Ramodibe.
The IDC has invested nearly R43 million in humanitarian aid since 2022, with this financial year clocking R 11.88 million thus far.
‘We are all about empowering communities, especially the youth in the areas where we operate and as such, we will also be hosting flood alert and response training which will better
equip them with reaction techniques that will go a long way in protecting them and saving lives when they are faced with similariton situations in future,’ adds Mchunu.
Enquiries:
Neo Mogodi
Publicity Manager
Industrial Development Corporation
Tel: +27 (0) 83 261 1666
neomo@idc.co.za
Additional Information:
The IDC’s R500 million Flood Relief Fund aimed at rebuilding businesses impacted by the floods has approved over R328 million in funding and grants and has impacted 2581 jobs.